Rock warming and drying under simulated intertidal conditions, part II : weathering and biological influences on evaporative cooling and near-surface micro-climatic conditions as an example of biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
The AA. measured the warming and drying of blocks of rock (limestone and granite) and marine concrete during low-tide events simulated in the laboratory, before and after a period of exposure (8 months) on rock platforms in Cornwall, UK. Over longer periods of time, changes in the availability of near-surface pore water as a result of micro-scale bioerosion of limestone and the development of bio-chemical crusts on marine concrete are suggested as mechanisms enhancing and reducing, respectively, the efficiency of evaporative cooling. The retention of moisture by epilithic biofilms may also influence thermal and drying behaviours of granite. These observations represent one of the first examples of cross-scalar biogeomorphic linkages in the intertidal zone. The significance of the results for the subsequent efficiency of weathering, and near-surface micro-climatic conditions experienced by colonizing organisms is discussed. The involvement of microorganisms in the creation of more (or less) ecologically stressful conditions through the alteration of substratum geomorphic properties and behaviours is suggested as an example of biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2012, vol. 37, n°. 1, p. 100-108, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley